Routes · 6 days
Adventure: Hills, Waterfalls, and Rappelling
Six days of outdoor activity between the Paraguarí and Guairá regions. Hanging bridges, zip lines, and rappelling at Mbatoví; a climb up the Acahay massif, an ancient volcanic complex; the waterfalls and history of Ybycuí National Park; the Salto Suizo waterfall in the Ybytyruzú rainforest; and, as the grand finale, sunrise at the summit of Cerro Tres Kandú, 842 meters up, the highest point in Paraguay.
Zip lines and rappelling at Mbatoví
≈ 79 km
Leave Asunción on Route PY01, about 80 km and 1.5 hours. At Mbatoví, 10 km from Paraguarí, the guided circuit combines a 2 km trail, four hanging bridges, two zip lines roughly 40 meters above the forest, and a rappel down a natural rock face. Outings run at 9am and 2pm, always by reservation. Overnight in the valley.
Overnight: Paraguarí: Glamping Mbatoví, Mirador Las Colinas, or Tower Suites.
Climbing the Acahay massif
≈ 92 km
Get an early start for Cerro Acahay, an ancient volcanic complex that rises alone above the plain. The trails begin near Yeguarizo and climb through rocky outcrops and caves to viewpoints overlooking the whole region. Hire a local guide and be back down before dark. In the afternoon, head to La Colmena, the Japanese colony known for its orchards and beehives. About 90 km.
Overnight: La Colmena: Hacienda L&M (a rural bed & breakfast).
Waterfalls and an old foundry at Ybycuí National Park
≈ 55 km
A day at Ybycuí National Park, about 30 km away: Atlantic Forest, trails winding among streams, the Guaraní, Escondido, and Minas waterfalls with cool natural pools, and the ruins of the 1854 La Rosada iron foundry (its museum has been closed for restoration since January 2026). From October to March, swim in the natural pools; avoid the days right after heavy rain. Open 7am to 5pm. About 55 km round trip.
Overnight: La Colmena: Hacienda L&M. Or camp at Ybycuí National Park's campground.
Into the Guairá region: Salto Suizo
≈ 105 km
The road to Villarrica and Colonia Independencia, at the foot of the Ybytyruzú range (1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the road). Lunch in the colony and, in the afternoon, Salto Suizo: a waterfall dropping over 60 meters deep in the forest, with a zip line and rappelling (reserve ahead). The last few kilometers are dirt and rock. Overnight in the park's barrel cabins. About 105 km.
Overnight: Parque Ecológico Salto Suizo (barrel cabins, cabins, and camping). Alternative: Colonia Independencia, Hotel Independencia, or Camping Tacuara.
The base of Cerro Tres Kandú
≈ 49 km
A morning of activities at Salto Suizo, with good light and cooler temperatures. After lunch, about 50 km to General Eugenio A. Garay and the base of Tres Kandú. Set up your tent, pack your bag, and rest up: tomorrow's climb starts before dawn. The campground requires an advance reservation.
Overnight: Cerro Tres Kandú campground (at the base or the summit), with a reservation.
Sunrise on the roof of Paraguay, and the way back
≈ 207 km
A pre-dawn climb: 3 km of marked trail with rocky stretches and rope-assisted sections, 2 to 3 hours total. From the summit, at 842 meters, mountain ranges and valleys stretch between the Guairá and Caazapá regions. Head back down, have lunch in Villarrica, and return to Asunción: about 210 km and 3.5 to 4 hours of driving.
Overnight: Asunción: Hotel Guaraní, Hotel Westfalenhaus, or El Viajero Hostel.
Tips
- Scheduling note: Mbatoví requires groups of 10 on weekdays, and Tres Kandú is only open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Starting on a Sunday, the summit climb lands on the following Friday (arrange the Thursday campsite accordingly).
- Don't climb Tres Kandú or Acahay in rain or a storm; carry at least 2 liters of water per person and a flashlight.
- Salto Cristal, near La Colmena, is another option, but it has access disputes: go only with a local guide and on approved paths.
- All rope-based activities are run by on-site instructors: confirm equipment and insurance when you book.